Jazmin Li
Chicago Midway International Airport has been ranked as one of the worst airports in the US, with reports citing its lack of amenities, poor cleanliness, and frequent flight delays. However, some travellers prefer Midway over Chicago's other airport, O'Hare, due to its proximity to downtown Chicago and its efficiency for quick, domestic business trips. With only a few airlines operating from Midway, travellers have limited food and entertainment options, but renovations are underway to improve the airport's reputation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amenities | Lacks amenities, with only one lounge and a limited selection of restaurants and services. |
| Location | Closer to downtown Chicago than O'Hare, with a shorter travel time of 15-25 minutes. However, considered less safe than O'Hare's location. |
| Flight Delays | Ranked worst in the country for flight delays, with nearly 38% of flights delayed during summer 2022. |
| Cleanliness | Poor bathroom conditions, requiring renovation. |
| Food Options | Limited and unsatisfactory food options, including Mexican, pizza, Greek, sushi, and a Chicago hot dog joint. |
| Security Wait Times | Average security wait times of around 15 minutes, but can exceed 30 minutes during peak hours. |
| Transportation | More efficient and faster transportation options than O'Hare, with shorter distances and lighter traffic. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Chicago Midway Airport has a reputation for being no-frills and cheap
- The airport has been criticised for its lack of amenities and poor dining options
- It has been ranked as one of the worst airports in the US for flight delays
- The airport's location is considered less safe in comparison to Chicago O'Hare Airport
- Reviews have noted rude staff, long security wait times, and poor cleanliness
Chicago Midway Airport has a reputation for being no-frills and cheap
The airport's poor rating was attributed to its lack of amenities, with only one lounge and a limited selection of restaurants and services. The food court has been described as dreary, with options such as Mexican food, pizza, Greek, sushi, and a Chicago hot dog joint. The bathrooms are in need of renovation, and the overall cleanliness and sanitation of the airport have been called into question by travellers.
In addition to the lack of amenities, Chicago Midway Airport is also known for its frequent flight delays. According to data from 2022, nearly 38% of Midway flights were delayed between May and September, earning it the distinction of being the worst airport in the country for flight delays during that period.
Despite its shortcomings, Chicago Midway Airport does have some advantages. It is a much smaller and less busy airport compared to O'Hare International Airport, the other major airport in Chicago. Its smaller size and closer proximity to downtown Chicago make it a more efficient and faster option for domestic business travellers who value convenience over extensive airport amenities.
Resetting Apple Airport Extreme: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport has been criticised for its lack of amenities and poor dining options
Chicago Midway Airport has been criticised for its lack of amenities and poor dining options. In 2019, it was ranked as the worst airport in the US by The Points Guy, a lifestyle media brand that compared 50 of the busiest airports in the country. The airport's poor ranking was attributed mostly to its lack of amenities, with only one lounge and a limited selection of restaurants and services.
Reviews from passengers highlight the disappointing dining experience at Midway, with one passenger describing the food court as "dreary". The options included Mexican food, pizza, Greek, sushi, and a Chicago hot dog joint. While some may find these options acceptable, others may expect more variety or healthier choices, especially if they have dietary restrictions or preferences.
The quality of the food has also been called into question. One reviewer mentioned that they only had a few bites of the airport hot dog, suggesting that it was not particularly appealing. Another reviewer commented on the high prices, mentioning a $20 hamburger and additional $2 for fries. This indicates that the value for money at Midway's dining establishments may not be up to par with what travellers expect.
In addition to the limited and underwhelming dining options, Midway Airport has also faced criticism for its lack of other amenities. For example, one reviewer noted the absence of CLEAR, a programme that expedites the security process for frequent travellers. The lack of CLEAR can be a significant disadvantage for business travellers or those who frequently fly through Midway.
Furthermore, some passengers have expressed concerns about the cleanliness and sanitation of the airport. One reviewer mentioned rude staff, while another pointed out the lack of sanitising stations and questioned the management's commitment to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment. These factors can significantly impact a traveller's overall experience and perception of the airport.
Rome Airport: Finding Taxis Upon Arrival
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It has been ranked as one of the worst airports in the US for flight delays
Chicago Midway Airport has been ranked as one of the worst airports in the US for several reasons, including its lack of amenities, uncleanliness, and unreliable flight departures. However, one of the most significant issues is its frequent flight delays.
In 2022, Midway Airport was named the worst airport in the country for flight delays by CBS Chicago. According to data from Flight Aware, nearly 38% of Midway flights were delayed between the end of May and the beginning of September, a rate five percentage points higher than the next closest airports. This issue of flight delays is not new to Midway Airport. In 2019, The Points Guy, a lifestyle media brand, ranked Midway as the worst airport in the US, with its analysis considering factors like sustainability, commute time, and the likelihood of on-time flight departures and arrivals. Midway's ranking was heavily impacted by its unreliable flight departures, with one passenger reporting a 45-minute delay on their Southwest flight from Midway to Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The high rate of flight delays at Midway Airport can be attributed to various factors, including construction, crowded gates, and the airport's smaller size compared to other major airports. Additionally, some passengers have noted issues with the airport's cleanliness and sanitation, as well as a lack of amenities, which can further contribute to a negative overall experience when flights are delayed.
While Midway Airport has its challenges with flight delays, it is important to note that it also has advantages over other airports. For example, due to its smaller size and location, Midway can be a more efficient and faster option for domestic business travelers who value convenience and speed over a wide range of amenities. However, for those travelling with families, especially on long international flights with layovers, larger airports like O'Hare, with their greater entertainment options, might be a better choice.
Exploring New Smyrna Beach: Which Airport to Choose?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Midway (1976) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81XZrO9d-hL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![Midway [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81jPE0Xe54L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The airport's location is considered less safe in comparison to Chicago O'Hare Airport
Chicago Midway Airport has been ranked as the worst airport in the United States, with sources citing its lack of amenities, unreliable flight departures, and location as reasons for its low ranking.
On the other hand, Midway is a smaller and less busy airport, mainly operating Southwest Airlines flights. Its advantage is that it is much closer to downtown Chicago, with a commute time of 15 to 25 minutes. However, its surrounding area is considered less safe, especially for new visitors to Chicago or those planning to take public transportation.
The perception of safety at Midway is further impacted by its lack of amenities and maintenance. Reviews mention issues with sanitation, non-functioning vending machines, and poorly maintained restaurants with limited food options. These factors can contribute to a sense of discomfort and uncertainty, especially for travellers who may have concerns about their well-being while at the airport.
In summary, Chicago Midway Airport's location is considered less safe than Chicago O'Hare Airport due to its neighbourhood's reputation and the limited amenities and maintenance at the airport itself. These factors can influence travellers' choices, especially those who prioritise convenience, safety, and comfort during their journeys.
Calgary Airport's COVID Testing: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Reviews have noted rude staff, long security wait times, and poor cleanliness
Chicago Midway Airport has received a significant number of negative reviews, with many passengers expressing disappointment with the airport's overall state and services. One of the most commonly cited issues is the staff's attitude. Several reviews describe the staff as rude and unhelpful, particularly the TSA Precheck staff and bus drivers. Long security wait times are another frequent complaint, with some passengers reporting wait times of over 30 minutes, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
The cleanliness and hygiene standards at Midway Airport have also been a cause for concern among travellers. Some passengers have noted that the bathrooms are small and require renovation, while others have complained about the lack of sanitising options, such as non-functioning hand sanitiser dispensers and towel machines. The airport's management has been criticised for prioritising appearance in photos over maintaining adequate cleanliness and sanitation for visitors.
In addition to these issues, travellers have also reported challenges with finding suitable dining options at Midway Airport. Some reviews mention restaurants closing early, with limited choices for vegetarians, and poor attitudes from restaurant staff. The quality of food has also been questioned, with one reviewer stating that they had better fast-food burgers outside of the airport. These factors contribute to a perception of limited and unsatisfactory dining experiences at the airport.
While Chicago Midway Airport has implemented initiatives such as future renovation projects, including a concessions redevelopment program and security checkpoint expansion, it is evident that recent traveller experiences have been less than positive due to a combination of factors, including staff rudeness, long security lines, and inadequate cleanliness and dining options.
Airports Serving Albany, NY: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Chicago Midway has been ranked as the worst airport in the US, with reports of rude staff, poor food options, and a lack of amenities. The airport has also been criticised for its location, which is considered less safe than that of O'Hare airport. However, some passengers prefer Midway because of its convenience for travel to downtown Chicago.
Chicago Midway has a reputation for being no-frills, cheap, and basic. It has been described as the "bus depot of American airports".
Chicago O'Hare is one of the largest and busiest airports in North America, with over 600 daily flights. It has a wide range of restaurants, lounges, and stores, while Midway has been criticised for its lack of amenities, with only one lounge and a limited selection of restaurants.
Food options at Midway have received poor reviews, with reports of restaurants being closed, having bad attitudes, and not accommodating dietary restrictions. The airport has been described as having a dreary food court with limited options, including Mexican food, pizza, Greek, sushi, and a Chicago hot dog joint.
Security wait times at Midway are around 15 minutes, but can exceed 30 minutes during peak times. In comparison, O'Hare's average wait time is also around 15 minutes, with the best times to go being on Saturdays from 10-11 pm. The worst times are on Tuesdays from 4-5 pm, with potential waits of up to 33 minutes.
